Utica September 3rd 1815
Dearest Mother
Excuse my negligence in not writing ere this. I arrived in this
Village and at this house precisely at 7 o'clock on Fryday evening,
both myself and horse very much fatigued, the road from
Albany Westward is abominable. During the heavy rains those large six
horse waggons were constantly travelling the road which cut it up very much,
leaving deep holes which are not only very unpleasant but in some instances are
dangerous.
Mr. Breese's family I found well and in good spirits, except himself he
is very dull and low-spirited, sitting at times half an hour without
speaking unless spoken to, and then only to answer in the shortest
terms. However he is much better than he has been. There is not a word
spoken in the family respecting the little boy that died. Sam arrived
in Utica the evening before me. Utica is a very pretty Village and
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lives in a stile beyond mediocrity. Mr. Cody is a very clever fellow
and, I am told, in a good business. Uncle Beekman has removed on a
farm 25 miles from John's Town. Respecting his circumstances I know nothing.
Now I suppose you wish to know something to my plans &c. It is
altogether probable I shall start for Sackett's Harbour next Monday with
Sam Breese who is ordered to that station. The idea of Genese river
and Niagara is abandoned, but I think it altogether probable I
shall go to Auburn, Ithaca &c and return by the way of Newburgh.
I have some hopes of forming a partnership with a physician in
this place, quite an eminent man whose practice is worth 9,000
Dolls per Annum. He thinks it altogether probable he shall want
a partner and if so he has given me the refusal. I can't conceive how
Mr Downs traveled 1000 miles with 23 Dolls. He must have lived on
potatoes and buttermilk. My horse I
find performs very well and at present feels very well. The scenery on
the Mohawk in some places is truly beautiful and in others sublime.
The water rose during the rain xx feet, overwhelming those rich fertile meadows
and fields, destroying and injuring the crops of every description. Almost
every bridge on the road was carried off. I must now draw to a conclusion.
Sam is now waiting for me to go to Rome and has been for an hour. My health is good.
Farewell. Give my love to all at home &c.
Yours affectionately,
Chas. P. Livingston
Henry Livingston, Esq.,
Po'keepsie, N. Y.